Abbots Ripton Primary School with their award from Speaker John Bercow

PUPILS at a Huntingdonshire school gave their MP a good grilling when he turned up to present them with a prestigious award.

Abbots Ripton Primary School council attracted the praise of the Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow MP for their efforts to end playtime disputes and encourage more activities, other than football. The council was named runner-up in the 7-11 age category in the Speaker's School Council Awards 2011.

Shailesh Vara, North West Cambridgeshire MP, presented them with a plaque on Friday and took time to tackle their questions about parliamentary pay and Scottish independence.

Mr Vara said: "The school council should be very proud of their efforts as they were competing against an impressive pool of applicants."

Helen Wilman, headteacher, said: "We

are delighted to be a runner up in this competition. However, what makes it more special is that the MP can attend and present this fabulous award."

Twenty schools were shortlisted in the awards, which encouraged entries from four to 18 year olds.

New Earswick Primary School, York, won the 7-11 category for their project to introduce pets into each classroom.